Girls dressed in kimonos for Seijin no Hi. Source: Tokyo Fashion
Research always affirms to transform a prior conception. In researching Japan’s celebrations for Coming of Age Day, I have to admit I got a little jealous. All of the traditions and participation from the entire Japanese society painted a picture that sounded like a lot of fun. It made me a bit sad that American society has not developed something similar. Instead of having all of the rites of passage (ability to vote, consume alcohol, adult responsibility etc.) at once, we have chunked up our celebrations, slowly letting adolescents become matriculated adults. Instead, Japanese society releases the dam and celebrates a “flood” of turning points: spiritual, physical and familial ones. Perhaps someday, although I will be unable to celebrate my own “Seijin-no-Hi,” I can visit Japan on the second Monday in January and witness all of the festivities for myself!